The subject aims to provide the main methodologies to support the development of new vehicles and road infrastructures systems for the motorised mobility of people and for the transport of goods from a functional point of view. Consistently with the teaching objectives of the Master of Science course, the proposed approach makes use of quantitative techniques, providing the theoretical basis and numerical tools to apply the methods of observation, simulation and control of vehicle flows to real cases, even with the support of new communication technologies between vehicles (V2V) with infrastructures (V2I) and other road users (V2X).
The main field of applications presented during the semester is the road transport system, with examples along motorway sections in order to estimate impacts of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as cooperative adaptive cruise control, which enable, for example, platoon traffic conditions. Besides, traffic analysis at urban level to manage traffic-light intersections in cooperation with vehicles, in case of connected services, are presented in order to optimize traffic conditions and to reduce external impacts for the environment, such as air pollution. Typical analysis scenarios consider different flow conditions to identify and simulate critical traffic situations, estimate the quality of traffic conditions, the energy required, according to powertrain technology adopted, and to define adequate control actions for vehicles.
The modelling techniques are also presented through numerical applications, developed with traffic simulation tools - available in the computer lab and adopted in the professional field - as well as by the analysis of some practical cases, useful to consolidate skills in the traffic and transportation engineering.
The subject aims to provide the main methodologies to support the development of new vehicles and road infrastructure systems for the motorized mobility of people and for the transport of goods from a functional point of view. Consistently with the teaching objectives of the Master of Science course, the proposed approach makes use of quantitative techniques, providing the theoretical basis and numerical tools to apply the methods of observation, simulation, and control of vehicle flows to real cases, even with the support of new communication technologies between vehicles (V2V) with infrastructures (V2I) and other road users (V2X).
The main field of applications presented is the road transport system, with examples along motorway sections in order to estimate the impacts of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as cooperative adaptive cruise control, which enable, for example, platoon traffic conditions. Besides, traffic analysis at urban level to manage traffic-light intersections in cooperation with vehicles, in case of connected services, are presented to optimize traffic conditions and to reduce external impacts for the environment, such as air pollution. Typical analysis scenarios consider different flow conditions to identify and simulate critical traffic situations, estimate the quality of traffic conditions, the energy required, according to powertrain technology adopted, and to define adequate control actions for vehicles.
The modelling techniques are also presented through numerical applications, developed with traffic simulation tools - available in the computer lab and adopted in the professional field - as well as by the analysis of some practical cases, useful to consolidate skills in traffic and transportation engineering.
At the end of the course the students will be able:
• apply quantitative techniques for observing road traffic, also with the support of new technologies;
• analyze the quality of traffic conditions in some typical road scenarios (road sections, intersections, arterials) using analytical and graphical techniques;
• build traffic micro-simulation models with reference to traffic lights intersections to analyze the quality of traffic conditions and the vehicle emissions in alternative scenarios;
• apply traffic micro-simulation models to analyze the impact on traffic conditions of vehicles equipped with ADAS or V2X solutions;
• define road traffic control actions according to project requirements, also in relation to safety issues;
• define a mathematical model for the verification and functional design of the elements of a simple transport network in case of congestion.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
• apply quantitative techniques for observing road traffic, also with the support of new technologies;
• analyze the quality of traffic conditions in some typical road scenarios (road sections, intersections, arterials) using analytical and graphical techniques;
• build traffic micro-simulation models with reference to traffic lights intersections to analyze the quality of traffic conditions and the vehicle emissions in alternative scenarios;
• apply traffic micro-simulation models to analyze the impact on traffic conditions of vehicles equipped with ADAS or V2X solutions;
• define road traffic control actions according to project requirements, also in relation to safety issues;
• define a mathematical model for the verification and functional design of the elements of a simple transport network in case of congestion.
Knowledge of the basic elements of mathematical analysis. It is desirable that students have basic knowledge of probability, statistics, and computer science.
Knowledge of the basic elements of mathematical analysis. It is desirable that students have basic knowledge of probability, statistics, and computer science.
The course is organized in 2 modules:
1- Vehicular traffic flow (42 h)
Techniques for analyzing traffic flows along links. Variables for the representation of road traffic. Techniques for analyzing traffic flows at nodes. Traffic quality and safety at intersections and congestion systems, with applications to various cases (intersections with traffic lights, motorways, terminals). Applications of ICT technologies for the traffic light regulation of intersections: from plan selection logics to adaptive traffic control systems.
Traffic simulation methods: road network model and demand data. Scenarios, experiments, statistical observations. Traffic observation and measurement techniques. The model of the control systems in the traffic simulator (Aimsun). Case studies for ADAS; connected vehicles and innovative traffic control solutions. Analytical models for the representation of traffic flows.
2- Analysis of transport networks (18 h)
Elements of the transport system and tools for performance analysis. Supply models for transport networks. Graphs and cost functions for urban and suburban networks. Mobility application modeling description. Traffic assignment techniques in a congested network, equilibrium configuration, system optimization and performance indicators. Estimation of vehicle emissions in road traffic. Shortest path algorithms, with examples for vehicle applications.
The course is organized in 2 modules:
1- Vehicular traffic flow (45 h)
Techniques for analysing traffic flows along links. Variables for the representation of road traffic. Techniques for analysing traffic flows at nodes. Traffic quality and safety at intersections and congestion systems, with applications to various cases (e.g., intersections with traffic lights, and motorways). Applications of ICT technologies for the traffic light regulation of intersections: from plan selection logics to adaptive traffic control systems.
Traffic simulation methods: road network model and demand data. Scenarios, experiments, and statistical observations. Traffic observation and measurement techniques. The model of the control systems in the traffic simulator (Aimsun). Estimation of vehicle emissions in road traffic. Case studies for ADAS; connected vehicles and innovative traffic control solutions. Analytical models for the representation of traffic flows.
2- Analysis of transport networks (15 h)
Elements of the transport system and tools for performance analysis. Supply models for transport networks. Graphs and cost functions for urban and suburban networks. Basic concepts on travel demand modelling. Traffic assignment techniques in congested networks, equilibrium configuration, system optimization and performance indicators. Shortest path algorithms, with examples for vehicle applications.
In addition to the lessons, numerical exercises are offered for approximately a third of the total hours. The applications have the aim of consolidating the understanding of the techniques for the analysis and regulation of vehicular traffic flow and are carried out by students in teams. The simplest cases are solved using spreadsheets, whereas traffic analysis in more complex scenarios for intersections controlled by traffic light is performed with the support of a well-known traffic simulator (Aimsun).
During the laboratory exercises, a project is developed which focuses on an assigned traffic light urban intersection, for which observation, microscopic simulation of traffic, analysis and comparison of alternative control actions are carried out.
In addition to the lessons, numerical exercises are proposed for approximately a third of the total hours. The applications aim to consolidate the understanding of the techniques for the analysis and regulation of vehicular traffic flow and are carried out by students in teams. The simple cases are solved using spreadsheets, whereas traffic analysis in more complex scenarios for intersections controlled by traffic lights is performed with the support of a well-known traffic simulator (Aimsun). traffic
During the laboratory exercises, a project focuses on an assigned traffic light urban intersection. For this observation, microscopic traffic simulation, analysis and comparison of alternative control actions are carried out.
Lecture notes, book chapters, and guides for traffic simulation will be shared during the lectures and posted on the course website.
Lecture notes, book chapters, and guides for traffic simulation will be shared during the lectures and posted on the course website.
Slides; Libro di testo; Esercizi risolti; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Strumenti di simulazione; Strumenti di collaborazione tra studenti;
Lecture slides; Text book; Exercise with solutions ; Lab exercises; Simulation tools; Student collaboration tools;
Modalità di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
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Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
Before taking the exam, specific reports about selected project activities have to be submitted for evaluation. One project is assigned to each team during applied lectures and a final presentation should be submitted, including the simulation model and datasheets used to analyze the system. A deadline for the submission of each report is also established during applied lectures; in general, all reports have to be submitted before the examination session.
The exam consists in two parts (both oral tests):
Part A: discussion of the report (mainly about topics related to applied lecture) -> Score A (out of 30)
Part B: two questions (mainly about topics discussed during lectures) –> Score B (out of 30)
Total score (out of 30) = 1/3 * 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀 + 2/3 *S𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁
Part A and part B have to be taken in the same day.
Average duration of exam (A+B): 0.5 h
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
In addition to verifying the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, the exam also aims to verify the skills acquired (described in "Expected learning outcomes") during the exercises. The questions include descriptive elements and a discussion of some techniques for analysing vehicular flows and regulation, which were studied and applied during the course's teaching activities.
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
During applied lectures, one project is assigned to each team and a final presentation should be submitted, including the simulation model and datasheets used to analyze the system. A deadline for the submission is also established during applied lectures, which is generally fixed before the examination session.
The exam consists of two parts:
Part A: assessment of the team project -> Score A (out of 30) assigned to each member of the team
Part B: two questions (oral test about topics discussed during lectures) –> Score B (out of 30)
Total score (out of 30) = 1/3 * Score A + 2/3 * Score B
The average duration of the exam (A+B): 0.5 h
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.